Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Attempted English muffins for the first time today--what a thrill to see them coming off the griddle looking just like store-bought! I used all white flour for this first try, but if we like them enough to make them again, I'll do part white/part white next time.

Bella has promised to toast these, and fry ham to go in them, while I run intervals in the morning. Yum!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

I've just stuffed my etsy shop with clothes that I loved making, but loved making right before I started running. Guess what? They don't fit now! Apparently all that running has made my shoulders smaller. Or something.

I hope these dresses, blouses, and aprons will find good homes where they are loved for their own vintage-styled selves. Happy looking!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Bella asked for a wrap skirt of some stone-colored denim sitting in the stash. I started with a plain rectangle and darted the front and back to fit her figure.

After turning down a waistband, I sewed a velvet ribbon over it both to hide my messy top-stitching and to reinforce it for the buttons and snaps. And because it looks cute.

But the fun really started when I looked on my shelves for something to embellish the hem. I picked out a tablecloth that shares the same neutral color, but is sprigged with soft daisies. I cut out squares, pinned them across the bottom of the skirt, and zigzagged them on, leaving about an eight of an inch for a raw edge which is fraying nicely in the wash.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Amazingly, everything fit into the back of the van, and everyone still had a seat.

We headed back into some heat and humidity.

Dropped off the dorm stuff, met the roommate, drove around town just a little: Savannah is just as enchanting as everyone says.

Went out to dinner. It was delicious and no one was wanting to argue with the constant cool ocean breeze.

But we all felt a little, what shall I say, funny?

A little bit of heartbreak when I took Daisy to the potty, and while washing her hands she asked trustfully, "Is this Felix's Christmas trip?" When I explained that we were here so that Giles could start living in his new room she said, "You mean he isn't going to live at home anymore at all?" Oh dear, I don't think she has been listening the last few months.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Tomorrow we carry Giles off to college. The week has been filled with lasts: last evening of cards with Grandpa, last golf game with the Composer, last set of photos for me, last dinner at home . . . .

Tomorrow the firsts begin as we drive this gorgeous, talented, helpful, obnoxious, mature baby off to a new home . . . and drive home without him . . . and become, for ten weeks at a time, a family with four children, not five. I can't imagine how that will feel.

Good thing Giles has a lovely set of thrifted gray and white dishes! And that I machine-embroidered his white towels to match. Because goodness how things would go for him without these goodies in hand.

"I have written to you, young [man], because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." (1 John 2:14)

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

I have been playing around with the patterns and ideas in A Is for Apron by Nathalie Mornu. Lots of good inspiration in there! So much so that I was inspired to create this Charming Flamingo Apron, which I am now going to give away in honor of my 1000th post. The flamingo fabric is a rayon/linen blend, the polka dot pockets are cotton, and best of all, there is a sterling silver flamingo charm tucked into one of those dotty pockets.

This should fit a wide range of sizes--in fact, it's tied its tightest on Lucille's 28" waist. So lots of room through the middle! The neck straps button with a vintage pink button.

Dear readers, I am grateful for each of you! Leave your name in the comment hat to win a delicious package. I'll draw on Tuesday, September 16, at noon Central time.

Feel free to Pin my photos, but please link back to the page you found them on.

Photography

Photography is an important part of life at my house. Photos that appear here are taken by Giles, by the Composer, and by me. Giles is a real, paid photographer, and he uses a Sony Alpha. Most of the photography prior to September 2008 is his. Since then I have done most of the shooting and I use a Konica Minolta. Additionally, the Composer offers me nice shots on occasion, often from his little Canon point and shoot. I've given up trying to note who's done what. Thanks for your interest!